KS4 Pathways

GCSE Music
(1 GCSE)
Exam Board: OCR (J536)
Overview:
This engaging and successful music course aims to:
promote an appreciation and enjoyment of a wide range of musical styles
develop students’ listening, performance and composition skills
extend students’ knowledge and musical skill as a basis for further study and leisure
promote an understanding of the social, moral, intellectual and spiritual contribution
that music makes in society
provide an opportunity for students to create, perform and record music
Students should be having instrumental lessons and have a good knowledge of music theory.
Students are also expected to join one of Ecclesfield’s extracurricular ensembles.
COMPONENT 1: Listening to and Appraising Music (40% of the total marks)
Written exam – externally assessed
Students will have to answer questions about recorded examples of music based around the
Musical Elements, Musical Contexts and Musical Language. They will be required to identify
instruments, recognise styles and dates of music, spot technical features in the work, make
comparisons between pieces, notate rhythms and identify key changes and chords.
COMPONENT 2: Composing Music
Composition (30%)
Marks are awarded for the candidate’s ability to compose and to evaluate the success of
their work and of the final completed recording. One composition will be based around the
candidates own instrument and the other composition will be based on a brief set by the
exam board.
Unit 3: Performing Music (30% of the total marks)
Each candidate should perform two different pieces:
a) An ‘Individual Performance’ or Technology-based performance
b) One ‘Group Performance’,
In order to do well in this component of the course, students will need to receive some form
of instrumental tuition in addition to the GCSE lessons, and should also participate in as
many extra-curricular activities and concerts as possible. Students who play an instrument
have often achieved successful GCSE grades.
Contact Details and Additional Information:
The music department has produced a more detailed GCSE Music brochure to help students
with the options process. If students are considering opting for this subject they should
speak with their classroom music teacher.
Mrs C. Power - Curriculum Leader: Music
cpower@eccoschool.com
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